PCA SKIN C&E Strength Max

PCA SKIN C&E Strength Max
1.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
0.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.5 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.5Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using PCA SKIN C&E Strength Max:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using PCA SKIN C&E Strength Max:

  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.2 out of 10.
  • Some anti-wrinkle efficacy: PCA SKIN C&E Strength Max has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Slightly moisturizing: PCA SKIN C&E Strength Max has a moisturizing rating of 1.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product is purely occlusive, but with a low Occlusivity of 2.5 out of 10. It has zero Humectancy as we didn't find any humectant ingredients on the ingredient list.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, PCA SKIN C&E Strength Max has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 2.5 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈20.0%), 
 or Vitamin C, a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, yet with average efficacy confirmed by only one study.
 
Among others, PCA SKIN C&E Strength Max also contains Retinyl Palmitate, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Retinyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.
 

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that PCA SKIN C&E Strength Max is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈20.0%), Tocopherol (est. ≈5.0%) and Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
45
20
11
6
5.1
5
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
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Ratings

All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.0
5.0
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
None
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.0 20
2.5
5.0
Moisturizing rating
1.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
None
All humectants 0.0 10
0.0
All humectants
0.0
None
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
5
All occlusives 5.0 20
2.5
All occlusives
5.0
5.0
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 20 2.5
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.5
Ascorbic Acid
2.5
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
20
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.5
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
20
5
2
All antioxidants 27 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
27
Ascorbic Acid
20
Tocopherol
5
Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract
2
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
0.3
All soothing 1.3 5 No
All soothing
1.3
1
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %45
Function
Origin
A lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %20
Function
Origin

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Est. %11
Function
Origin
A type of spherical powder that functions on a ball-bearing effect in which the tiny microspheres roll around on the skin and create lubricity. Polymethylsilsesquioxane offers extra slip to skincare products and makes the skin feel soft and smooth.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Polysilicone-11
Est. %5.1
Function
Origin
A synthetic rubber-like substance of the silicone family that has no color or distinct scent. These are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin but instead create a thin silky film on the skin's surface.
Tocopherol
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.
Hordeum Distichon (Barley) Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Derived from barley, this extract contains antioxidant polyphenolic compounds such as flavonoids and organic acids, as well as beta-glucan (which assists in skin healing). It also contains gluten.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
A fragrant essential oil expressed or distilled from the rinds of sweet oranges. Its main constituent is limonene, which is responsible for its fresh, citrusy smell. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.
Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
A soothing and antimicrobial extract derived from the Amur cork tree (which is used in traditional Chinese remedies). It contains various beneficial compounds such as alkaloids, limonoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Wood Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fragrant extract derived from sandalwood that is most likely a diluted essential oil. Sandalwood oil is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world and it gives the extract a woody, warm, and creamy scent.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.